First Toyota Sudden-Acceleration Case Goes to Trial, Will Signal Probable Results of Other Cases, Columbia Lawyer Says
Columbia, SC (PRWEB) July 30, 2013 -- South Carolina product liability lawyer Bert Louthian today said the case of Uno v. Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc., Case No. KC057888, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, is of importance not only to the parties in that case, but also to others across the country. As reported by CNN.com on July 22, 2013, it is the first Toyota sudden-acceleration case to go to trial after Toyota recalled more than 8 million vehicles for gas-pedal issues. [http://money.cnn.com/2013/07/22/autos/toyota-death-lawsuit/index.html
“When there are many cases involving similar issues, a judge will often select certain cases which will help predict the potential outcome of the other cases. These are called bellwether trials,” Louthian explained, “and the California case going to trial next week is one such instance.”
To learn more about these lawsuits, see: http://www.louthianlaw.com/attorney-services/product-injury-lawyer/toyota-acceleration-accidents/
Jury selection in the California case of Noriko Uno has begun and opening arguments may begin next week. The lawsuit argues that Toyota Motor Corp. should have had a fail-safe system enabling the brakes to override the accelerator. (View the Complaint here: http://documents.latimes.com/uno-vs-toyota-complaint/) The automaker used the brake override system in its European fleet but chose not to use it in the American market in order to “save a few bucks,” said Garo Mardirossian, the attorney representing Uno’s family, in a June 21 article in The Washington Post. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/first-toyota-sudden-acceleration-case-involving-death-of-calif-woman-set-to-begin-in-la/2013/07/21/6fbff7e8-f214-11e2-8464-57e57af86290_story.html)
Federal courts are also seeing activity from the Toyota recall. A $1.6 billion settlement was recently approved by a federal judge to resolve lawsuits brought because the value of Toyota vehicles plummeted due to the sudden-acceleration concerns. The economic-loss cases are combined as In re Toyota Motor Corp. Unintended Acceleration Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation, 8:10-ml-02151, U.S. District Court, Central District of California (Santa Ana).
“All eyes are going to be on the Uno case in California,” said Louthian, “to see whether the jury will hold Toyota’s feet to the fire. If they find that Toyota was negligent in manufacturing and marketing a defective product which led to this lady’s death, we’re likely to see significant amounts offered to settle other pending cases.”
Consumers who allegedly have been injured by a defective product – whether a Toyota Camry or a 12-volt children’s ride-on toy -- have the right to ask the manufacturer for money to cover medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering and any permanent disability or loss. “In conference rooms and courtrooms, we do battle because we believe in the rights and power of hardworking people,” Louthian affirmed.
About the Louthian Law Firm - The Louthian Law Firm, P.A., of Columbia, S.C., has been obtaining fair compensation for personal injury victims since 1959. The firm was founded by Herbert Louthian, who has more than 50 years of trial experience and is licensed to practice in all courts in South Carolina. In addition to product injury claims, the Louthian Law Firm also handles cases involving medical malpractice; car, truck and motorcycle accidents; and other South Carolina Personal Injury claims. The firm’s office is located in the Marlboro Building, Suite 300, 1116 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC 29201 (local phone (803) 454-1200). For a free, confidential case evaluation, contact the firm toll free at (866) 410-5656.
Bert Louthian, Louthian Law Firm, P.A., http://www.louthianlaw.com, 803-454-1200, [email protected]
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